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Peritoneal Cancer Treatments continued...

Chemotherapy. The drugs for treating peritoneal cancer are similar to those used for ovarian cancer. You may receive these drugs by injection on an outpatient basis every one, two, or three weeks. Sometimes, chemotherapy is delivered directly into the abdomen through a catheter that was placed under the skin during surgery. This is called intraperitoneal chemotherapy. You also receive it about every three weeks, but it is a more complex treatment cycle.

HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy). This is administration of heated chemotherapy into the peritoneum after surgery. This technique is common for peritoneal cancer that has spread from the appendix, colon, or stomach.

Peritoneal Cancer Prognosis: What to Expect

Primary peritoneal cancer prognosis is best if all cancer is removed and a gynecologic surgeon and oncologist treat you. These doctors have special knowledge of gynecologic cancers.

Your doctors will closely watch you after treatment. Peritoneal cancer can spread quickly because the peritoneum is rich in lymph and blood through which it can travel. Recurrence after treatment is common with peritoneal cancer. That's because this cancer is often diagnosed in an advanced stage. You may need more than one round of chemotherapy or other surgeries.

Be sure to seek support for yourself as you go through treatment and healing.